Europe

Despite concern pervading the business community in 2025, for reasons that include tariffs, increasing inflation, rising unemployment, higher pension contributions, warnings about profitability, sentiment for 2026 is resilient and even positive

The number of families waiting for social housing in Brussels Region has risen from 50.000 to over 59.000 in one year; waiting time for securing social housing in the capital ranges from nine to thirteen years, depending on the type of housing requested

Russia's main stock market index, the MOEX, rose to 2765 points on yesterday 30 December 2025; over the past month the index has climbed 2,92%, though it remains 2,23% lower than a year ago, according to benchmark index trackings from Russia

The Italian-San Marino Cross-Border Workers Association obtained the inclusion in the 2026 budget of a motion addressing the issue of double taxation that has penalized retired workers in the border area for years

Two ministerial decrees foster safety and order during the busiest nights of the festive season: limits on fireworks possession leave room only to official pyrotechnical shows and security obligations for nightlife venues are strengthened

Local wine industry is facing its worst crisis in decades with -41% of domestic market share, even as growers say 2025 vintage is a harvest of exceptional quality: bulk wine prices are far below production costs and vineyards could be lost as a result

Hotels across Portugal’s Alentejo region are close to full for New Year celebrations, with occupancy rates expected to exceed 90%, according to the president of the Regional Tourism Authority, Turismo do Alentejo

85 cruise ships with 115.500 passengers have docked in the Port of Riga in the 2025 cruise season, +43% more than last year; the cruise segment in the Port of Riga is expected to grow with 98 cruise ships registered for 2026 and over 100 in 2027

Churches are being decommissioned and repurposed as the number of church members in Germany is falling rapidly; in Berlin growing Orthodox Christian congregations have taken over buildings, but they are more often sold

The Palace of Independence opened its doors to participants of the traditional New Year's Eve Ball for young people, part of the run up to 2026; the event saw the participation of over 350 young dancers and was attended by President Lukashenko

Inheritances in cryptocurrencies are becoming more frequent and questions for heirs and notaries raise; it is estimated that about 300.000 people own cryptos in Austria, but data is difficult to find also due to very low tax compliance